The scene at the fourth annual Pond Hockey Classic in Meredith on Sunday. (DAN SEUFERT PHOTO)

Pond Hockey Classic draws crowds to Meredith

By DAN SEUFERTUnion Leader Correspondent

MEREDITH - In a victory that the announcer proclaimed "will be talked about in the Lakes Region for many years to come," the southern New Hampshire-based Broots Magoots unseated two-time champions the Locals of Center Harbor at the Fourth Annual Pond Hockey Classic on Sunday.

"We were champs for two years, that's pretty good," said Bill Neer of Moultonborough, a member of the Locals, as he watched the Broots Magoots receive their wooden cup trophy for winning the Just-for-Fun Under-35 Division championship, which the Magoots won, 7-5.

The Magoots had set their sights on winning after losing in the semifinals last year.

"It's sweet," said Magoot Nate Gagne of Manchester.

Winning the Just-for-Fun Over-35 Division, the Pylons of Chelmsford, Mass., defeated the Bulldogs of Sudbury, Mass. by a score of 5-4.

In the 40-plus Division, the Bumbles of Laconia defeated the Kings of the South Shore, Mass., by a score of 7-2.

In the 50-plus division, the Essex 73s of Nashua defeated T's Pub of Boston by a score of 6-4.

In the 30-Plus Division, the Frozen Hacks of Franklin, Mass., defeated the West Coast Blasters of Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, by a score of 9-6.

In the Open Division, the Ice Holes of Wakefield, Mass., won the trophy by defeating the Winnipesaukee Whalers of Meredith, 10-4.

In the Women's Division, the Eagles of Boston won the title, defeating Joe's Chicks of Laconia, 6-0.

Tournament organizer Scott Crowder said more teams will likely be added to the more than 200 that came to this year's tournament.

"From our perspective it was a great weekend being outside and playing hockey," Crowder said.